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Virtual, Augmented and Mixed Reality

Virtual Reality (VR), Augmented Reality (AR) and Mixed Reality (MR) are all different branches of the same ‘Digital Realities’ tree.

What is Virtual Reality?

Virtual Reality (VR) is the term used to describe a three-dimensional, computer generated environment which can be explored and interacted with by a person. That person becomes part of this virtual world or becomes immersed within this environment and is able to manipulate objects or perform a series of actions.

Historically, making any type of changes once a building is under construction is extremely expensive and time-consuming, however Virtual Reality allows clients to step inside a digital model to experience things first hand.

What is Augmented Reality?

Augmented Reality (AR) is a live, direct view of a physical, real-world environment that is augmented by computer generated sensory input, such as sound, video or graphics. AR is more of an overlay of data on the real world that isn’t anchored to or part of it. The real world content and the computer generated content cannot respond to each other.

AR see’s the most beneficial use when working on site, as engineers or contractors can visualise where a building will be and what it will look like, in life-size dimensions. AR can also be used for structural or thermal analysis as well as guidance and training.

What is Mixed Reality?

Mixed Reality (MR) is the merging of real and virtual worlds to produce new environments and visualisations where physical and digital objects co-exist and interact in real time. Think of MR as an overlay of synthetic content on the real world that is anchored to and interacts with the physical data of our environment.

Our Solution

The Waldeck solution capitalises on the advantages these immersive experiences present, where we have enabled model and design based modifications to be undertaken in real-time as part of the immersive review. This is key to optimising project model workflows, eliminating double handling of digital data and takes decision making and design revisions to the next level.

Through the use of our Virtual Reality technology in particular, we are able to offer our clients the opportunity to immerse themselves in a life-like digital twin model, which can be utilised throughout the design and build process.

Using our specialist software, we seamlessly integrate BIM models into virtual reality experiences, allowing clients to get a real glimpse of how their assets will look and understand the scale and design validity, something that is impossible to achieve on a traditional monitor.

Information from these models can then be brought into Augmented Reality, allowing contractors on site quick access to important model information. Augmented Reality also provides a collaborative approach within the office for more open design reviews, allowing engineers to look at the same holographic model and collaborate.

With our 3D immersive and interactive experience, we have a number of predicted uses:

Design interrogation and spatial reviews

Project collaboration

Real-time decision making

Benefits

Benefits of using Virtual, Augmented and Mixed Reality include:

Faster project reviews

Easier project visualisation

Increased positive client interactions

Higher client satisfaction

Simulated construction

Pre-build testing

Improved training

Improved risk identification, improving overall health and safety

Virtual project design tours

Explore 3D models in real-time

Reduction in construction programme

Robust buildings in a shorter space of time

FIND OUT MORE

Interested in finding out more about Virtual, Augmented and Mixed Reality?
Get in touch with our experts by calling 08450 990285 or email us here.

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